Across Regions

Storage under stress: How climate change is rewriting the rules for potato dormancy and disease risk

Potato storage is facing increasing challenges due to climate change, which affects crop conditions prior to storage. Factors like heat stress and drought alter tuber physiology, impacting dormancy and disease risk. Effective storage now requires thorough understanding and management of the crop’s field experience. As the storage becomes a critical climate-risk management system, improved monitoring, risk sorting, and enhanced infrastructure are essential for safeguarding potato quality and minimizing losses.

June 24, 2026

Processing quality starts in the field: Why processors can no longer fix weak raw material

Potato processing is crucially linked to the quality of raw materials cultivated in the field, emphasizing the need for collaboration among growers, processors, and storage facilities. As various challenges like climate instability and increasing quality demands arise, strong communication and data sharing become essential. The future will require a holistic approach to improve crop quality, streamline processes, and enhance sustainability, ultimately ensuring a successful, integrated potato processing system.

June 23, 2026

Western potato varieties in Egypt: Can Russet, Innovator, Santana and similar varieties succeed?

Egypt can successfully grow Western potato varieties, but their success hinges on local climate suitability, irrigation, seed quality, and market needs. Some varieties, like Santana and Innovator, have demonstrated potential in the country’s processing sector. However, caution is advised with varieties like Russet Burbank due to their specific agronomic demands. Ultimately, disciplined trials and understanding local conditions are essential for commercial viability.

June 22, 2026

Potato cultivation at a crossroads: The future crop will be grown with more precision, more resilience and a deeper respect for soil

Potato cultivation is a challenging endeavor, sensitive to climate variations and agricultural practices. As climate instability, water scarcity, and disease pressures rise, growers must adopt smarter, more resilient systems. Effective water management, soil health, and integrated pest strategies are crucial. While advancements in technology and variety development are important, they must be paired with comprehensive management approaches to ensure the potato remains a vital global food source amid increasing demands.

June 22, 2026

FAO Treaty Secretary highlights potato genetic resources as shared global heritage

On International Potato Day 2026, Kent Nnadozie emphasized the potato’s role as a vital food source and genetic resource, essential for global food security. Celebrating its cultural significance and agricultural contributions, he urged for continued investment in conservation and research. Highlighting successful collaborative projects that benefit farmers, the call to action advocates for renewed cooperation in preserving potato diversity to ensure future resilience and adaptability in changing environments.

June 22, 2026

Kiremko, Idaho Steel and Reyco brands join forces with Tummers and Van Der Giessen

A leading food processing equipment group has acquired Tummers Group and Van der Giessen, strengthening its position in the potato processing industry. Combining the expertise of Kiremko, Idaho Steel, Reyco, Tummers, and Van der Giessen, the new entity aims for €400 million in annual revenue. This strategic move enhances innovation, sustainability, and customer support across global markets, focusing on resource efficiency and reducing costs in french fry and potato flake processing.

June 22, 2026

The potato store is becoming a strategic asset — and the industry can no longer afford to treat it as a dark box

Modern potato storage has evolved from a passive holding phase to a critical management system that significantly impacts the entire potato value chain. It safeguards grower income and market quality while addressing challenges like climate change and resource costs. The post-CIPC era necessitates advanced management approaches, integrating technology with human expertise. Efficient storage is crucial for food security and deserves heightened focus in industry practices and policies.

June 22, 2026

On Father’s Day: Fatherhood, memory, and the mercy of being remembered kindly

Father’s Day evokes deep reflections on memory and fatherhood. It serves as a reminder of the complex emotions tied to our fathers and our own experiences as fathers. The author shares personal insights about navigating imperfection in parenting, emphasizing the importance of understanding and forgiveness. He hopes to be remembered not just for his failures, but for the love and effort he invested in his children, acknowledging that true fatherhood is a journey marked by humility and enduring love.

June 21, 2026

Potato processing enters a new era: Why the next battle will be won before the crop reaches the factory

The global potato processing sector is evolving beyond traditional products like French fries to encompass quality management, sustainability, and technological integration. With growing demand, processors face challenges such as volatile costs and environmental pressures. Future success hinges on strong relationships with growers, data-driven automation, and efficient resource use. The industry must adapt to shifting market dynamics, prioritizing comprehensive processing strategies for enhanced profitability and sustainability.

June 19, 2026

Beyond yield: Reframing the potato as a solar-biomass crop for a new value economy

The potato industry faces increasing pressures from climate change, market expectations, and resource management, prompting a shift in success measurement from yield alone to capturing usable value per hectare. Viewing potatoes as a solar-biomass crop emphasizes the need for better management in genetics, agronomy, water use, soil health, storage, processing, and market alignment. Embracing this holistic approach can enhance profitability and sustainability while addressing evolving consumer and processor demands.

June 3, 2026

International Day of Potato: Why the world’s most humble crop deserves global recognition

On 30 May, the world marks International Day of Potato – a United Nations-recognised observance highlighting the crop’s vital contribution to food security, nutrition, livelihoods and sustainable agriculture. With the 2026 theme, “Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish,” FAO is placing renewed emphasis on farmers, value chains, climate resilience and the potato’s future role in feeding a changing world.

May 30, 2026

Could potatoes help farmers transition out of intensive animal agriculture?

As The Transfarmation Project helps livestock and poultry farmers explore plant-focused futures, potatoes may offer one practical pathway for some farms seeking to transition out of intensive animal agriculture. While potatoes are not an easy crop and require serious agronomic, storage and market expertise, the potato sector could play a constructive role by offering mentorship, technical guidance and market insight to farmers seeking a dignified new beginning.

May 28, 2026

Potatoes at the Crossroads: New book explores the future of the global potato industry

A new book by Potato News Today editor and publisher Lukie Pieterse examines the global potato industry at a critical turning point. Potatoes at the Crossroads: People, Climate and the Future of a Quietly Powerful Crop explores food security, climate change, water risk, disease pressure, storage, technology, markets, sustainability, and the human realities behind potato production. The book is now available as a softcover and eBook through Amazon.

May 25, 2026

Frozen potato consumption outlook: Updated demand view now available

The frozen potato market is undergoing significant changes as growth persists amidst price, margin, and demand pressures. A recent report outlines shifting consumer behavior and regional economic impacts, revealing reduced market value despite a volume increase. Geographic disparities in demand and rising costs complicate the landscape. Future growth remains expected but at a slower rate, highlighting the need for processors to adapt and focus on genuine consumption trends for informed strategies.

May 19, 2026

The crop protection transition in potatoes: Why biologicals, AgTech and integrated systems are moving to the centre of the conversation

The transition in potato crop protection is evolving towards an integrated model combining biologicals, chemistry, genetics, and AgTech. Expert Dr. Claude Flueckiger emphasizes that adoption of new solutions hinges on their proven reliability and effectiveness in real-world conditions. While early gains are visible, particularly in seed treatments, broader integration and reliance on biologicals will depend on demonstrated value amidst economic pressures faced by growers.

May 18, 2026

Potato futures record dramatic surge of more than 700 percent in less than a month

Potato-linked financial contracts have surged over 700 percent in less than a month due to fears about the Iran war and its impact on agricultural supply chains. Contracts for difference rose from €2.11 to €18.50. Despite this, Europe faces a potato oversupply, leading to significant price drops for lower-grade potatoes. Farmers struggle with increasing production costs, making current pricing levels financially unsustainable.

May 11, 2026

The economics of value capture in potatoes: Where value is created, where it escapes, and why it matters now

This article examines where value is truly created and retained in the potato sector. It argues that profitability depends not only on growing potatoes efficiently, but on capturing more value through storage, processing, logistics, premium fresh categories, ingredient functionality, and stronger market alignment. Using Canada and broader industry trends as context, it shows that the future of the potato economy will be shaped by strategy, differentiation, and value chain discipline.

April 23, 2026

Beyond the plate: Why potatoes may be one of agriculture’s most underestimated future crops

Potatoes have long been valued as a dependable global food crop, but their future may reach far beyond traditional fresh and processed markets. As consumer expectations, climate pressures, and new technologies reshape agriculture, the crop is increasingly seen as a versatile biological resource with potential in value-added processing, ingredient systems, climate resilience, and selected industrial applications. Realizing that future will depend on more purposeful breeding, stronger market alignment, and better whole-chain integration.

April 17, 2026

Higher yield, lower costs and better quality: PEF for potato chip production

Join Elea’s webinar on April 20 to explore Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology for optimizing potato chip processing in the Americas. Elea, a leader in PEF systems, will showcase how their technology can enhance yield, reduce costs, and improve product quality in chip production. Led by Prof. Dr. Stefan Toepfl and Kevin Hill, the session includes a live demonstration of the PEF Advantage B Micro unit.

April 16, 2026

Urschel to debut Little Gem Aspire Dicer at major global food processing trade shows in 2026

Urschel will unveil the Little Gem Aspire Dicer, a cutting-edge machine for fruit and vegetable processing, at several upcoming trade shows starting in May 2026. This innovative dicer, developed by the Urschel I&D team, features patented technology for precision cuts and a compact design. The new model builds on the legacy of the original Little Gem, a groundbreaking invention from the early 1900s. Further details will be available on Urschel’s website.

April 16, 2026

The Crop Protection Transition: From Chemicals to Biologicals Powered by AgTech

The agricultural sector is shifting from chemical reliance to biological solutions enhanced by AgTech, amidst significant restructuring among major chemical companies. Biological crop-protection solutions are gaining traction, promoting regenerative farming. The transition is uneven due to grower hesitancy and market dynamics. Companies that innovate quickly will find opportunities in this emerging market, as chemical dependence declines and biological solutions promise enhanced resilience and productivity in farming systems.

April 11, 2026

In potatoes, ag tech’s next big payoff may be efficiency – not yield alone

As the potato sector faces tighter margins, climate pressure, and stricter quality demands, the strongest return from ag technology may increasingly come from efficiency rather than yield alone. Precision irrigation, better nitrogen management, improved sensing, stronger disease prevention, and smarter storage systems can all reduce waste and protect marketable output. In potatoes, the next big ROI may lie in producing each saleable tonne with fewer inputs and fewer hidden losses.

April 3, 2026

G7 crisis talks put potato industry on alert as Middle East war drives up energy, fertilizer, and freight risks

A virtual G7 meeting on March 30 underscored that the Middle East war is now a direct threat to energy markets, inflation, and global supply chains. For the potato industry, the implications are significant. Higher oil prices, fertilizer sourcing stress, and rising freight costs are increasing pressure on growers, storers, processors, and exporters. While potatoes are not at the center of the conflict, the crop is clearly exposed to its economic fallout.

March 31, 2026

Minimizing damage in potato handling: Lessons from grain handling systems

Effective potato handling requires meticulous system design and operating practices to minimize mechanical injuries. By adopting strategies from grain handling, such as controlled drop heights, gentle conveying, and adequate storage conditions, the industry can significantly reduce bruising. Understanding damage mechanisms and implementing thorough monitoring practices are essential for preserving quality and customer confidence.

March 30, 2026

UNECE seed potato standard facilitates trade and supports increased productivity in potato value chains

The UNECE Specialized Section on Standardization of Seed Potatoes addresses global food system pressures by improving seed potato certification, which is vital for preventing pests and diseases. The UNECE Seed Potato Standard helps standardize certification, enhancing trade and production quality. Countries like the Netherlands and Australia align their systems with these standards. Future webinars will further promote the standard, supporting sustainable food systems worldwide.

March 30, 2026